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About this project

Studio and Gallery dedicated to creative photography and education for local photographers and a gallery space for artists in the area.

About Us

Our studio offers a full spectrum of portrait, event, and commercial photography to Watertown NY and the surrounding area. We have found a distinct partnership that came about by chance. Studio 14 was created when a few photographers shared a space and through the opening of the studio to other photographers to network and learn. The vision we have is to grow that network and to help others in the community learn by opening our studio for workshops and open house -hands on events.

HISTORY OF THE PADDOCK ARCADEBuilt in 1850, it is the second oldest covered shopping mall in the United States. Since it has seen uninterrupted use since it opened in 1850, it carries the distinction of being the country's oldest, continuously operating covered shopping mall. The Paddock Arcade was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

The arcade still functions as a shopping and business center in Watertown's downtown district. In recent years, structural and aesthetic improvements, coupled with new businesses are helping to guarantee the arcade's future.

The Space

Beginning of Project

When we first walked into the space, it was filled floor to ceiling with a collection of junk, old useless materials, desks, and it was coated with the remnants that years of neglect will cause. The windows were boarded up completely and as we began to clean out we discovered bit by bit the space began to grow.

Layer upon layers of Material

Removing Walls

We have completely torn down the two very unsturdy walls and exposed the brick on one large wall. We have also cleared the floor totally and have a nearly clean slate to begin our venture.

Brick Wall Exposed

The discovery of this being a much more indepth project was both exciting and overwhelming to unearth. We are both driven to complete the project and have discovered we want this to not just be done; we want it to be done well.

We would like for this space to be a catalyst for others in the downtown region and the Paddock arcade who have not done so already to also take on the vision of revitalizing this beautiful downtown area.

Our VisionOriginally we had seen the space as two very distinct rooms. But as we have dug in; our vision changed. We decided to have an open yet versatile concept that is able to be utilized separately. The front 21x21 space has a tin&copper ceiling that we are stripping of the paint and refinishing to be close to it's original beauty.

Tin Ceiling

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We would like to add chandeliers for creative ambiance for family and intimate portrait work. There is a magnificent brick wall that we have had (family member) replace loose bricks and re-mortar so as to save that historical piece to tie in with the tin ceiling.

Front Room Cleaned up

Back Room Wall

The room will be divided by a partial wall approx 6 feet on one end of the room and 7 feet on the other along with a pair of vintage look barn doors with a different look on each side. The doors will be 8 foot total when shut will divide the room into two spaces or completely open will still give a very spacious feel for a gallery showing and will allow natural light throughout. Beyond the division of the room is another 18x19 space that will be completely sheetrocked. There are three very large windows which allow in beautiful natural light. There will be a separate utility space that will allow for a private space for clients to change as well as some storage for essential studio equipment.

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The flooring, once level; throughout the entire space is going to be of 5 inch wide pine boards tongue and groove. This will tie in both spaces together.

Start to leveling floor

How KickStarter will help and works:

The cost to complete the entire project is going to be at least $15,000. We are willing to do a majority of the work ourselves and with the help of family and friends. We would like to raise half the money to cover the cost of the materials for the initial build.

This is the beauty of Kickstarter
- your money is handled by Amazon.com
and does not leave your bank account until our goal is reached! If at
least $7,500 is not raised by our deadline, all pledges are cancelled and you
keep your money.

A visual breakdown...

$7,499 - Funds nothing! We don't receive a penny
if we raise this amount or less.

$7,500 - Success! We will have just enough
needed to move forward.

GoalOur goal is to complete this project and be able to share this space with the Local Arts Community.

Limited Edition T-Shirt

Here is the Final Design to Our Limted Edition T-Shirt for a donation of $50 or more!!!

Limited Edition Koozie

Limited Edition Koozie Back

For Anyone that Donates Over $25.00 will receive a limited edition Koozie.

Summary of Expenses

Building Materials for New Floor and 3 new Walls and Storage Closet (2x4's, nails, screws, etc.)

New Electric Outlets, Lights and Wiring

Risks and challenges

As we have done most of the work ourselves, we have relied on the expertise of family and friends with more knowledge than we have of a buildout in a historic landmark. We have discovered the floor within to be nearly 6 inches off from one end to the other and 4 inches the other direction so leveling the floor is by far the biggest project in regards to time and money. As with any renovation, we discover little things along the way that eat into the budget that has been funded primarily by Chris to this date. The sweat equity is something neither of us or our families are opposed to. We also realize we still need to work and have an income while working on this project. As winter comes we need to complete the window installation and the insulation and sheetrocking of the outer wall as well. Our vision was to have this completed by 1 December so that we could have a working studio space open by the new year.

FAQ

Rewards

Pledge $5 or more

Send us your email and we can add you to our weekly photo of the week email!

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $10 or more

0 backers

Send us your email with your birthday and we will send you an ecard on your birthday with a special message from the studio

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $25 or more

6 backers
Limited (44 left of 50)

Ticket to Private Opening

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $25 or more

0 backers
Limited (25 left of 25)

Limited Edition Photo Studio 16 Koozie

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

Only ships to: United States

You selected

Pledge $50 or more

7 backers
Limited (18 left of 25)

Custom Limited Edition Studio T-shirt.

Estimated delivery:Jan 2014

Only ships to: United States

You selected

Pledge $100 or more

2 backers
All gone!

Your name will go on a plaque as a Bronze Sponsor that will be hung in the new studio for everyone to see!

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $100 or more

3 backers
Limited (17 left of 20)

Your name will go on a plaque as a Silver Sponsor that will be hung in the new studio for everyone to see!! Also you would recieve a Limited Edition T-Shirt.. And an Invite to the Grand Opening of the Studio

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

Only ships to: United States

You selected

Pledge $250 or more

1 backer
All gone!

Your name will go on a plaque as a Silver Sponsor that will be hung in the new studio for everyone to see!

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $250 or more

1 backer
Limited (11 left of 12)

Your name will go on a plaque as a Silver Sponsor that will be hung in the new studio for everyone to see! Also you would recieve a Limited Edition T-Shirt & Set of Koozies. And an Invite to the Grand Opening of the Studio

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

Only ships to: United States

You selected

Pledge $500 or more

0 backers
Limited (10 left of 10)

Your name will go on a plaque as a Gold Sponsor that will be hung in the new studio for everyone to see! Also you would recieve a Limited Edition T-Shirt & Set of 2 Koozies. And an Invite to the Grand Opening of the Studio

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

You selected

Pledge $1,000 or more

0 backers
Limited (2 left of 2)

Your name will go on a plaque as a Diamond Sponsor that will be hung in the new studio for everyone to see! Also you would receive 2 Limited Edition T-Shirt & Set of 2 Koozies. And two Invites to the Grand Opening of the Studio..

Estimated delivery:Dec 2013

Funding period

Oct 14, 2013 - Nov 28, 2013
(45 days)

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